Page:Biographia Hibernica volume 1.djvu/457

 446 CAULFIELD. hundred thousands, caught fire from new inflammatory sources. The old volunteer army had long fallen to decay. In the north, Lord Charlemont, whose voice bad so long operated as a pacific charm, had now lost all influence. In the metropolis, and various parts of the country, a few detached armed companies associated under the appella- tion of volunteers, under the direction of some of the most democratical leaders of the old corps, and especially James Napper Tandy; who then occupied his Sundays in ma- noeuvering those brigades in the fields round the metro- polis. They wore uniforms quite different from those of the king's troops ; and some of the corps adopted mottoes and emblems but too significant of the political principles of the wearers. A militia law had passed in the country but still the petty volunteer corps increased to sueh a degree that they were at length suppressed by a procla- mation from the castle, and a new corps were organised under the auspices of government, under the appellation of yeomapry; furnished indeed with arms and accoutre- ments by the government, but clothed at their own ex- pense; and to be paid when called on actual service. In this state of affairs, the United Irishmen continued to ex- tend their influence, to increase their numbers, and ad- minister their oath; while an opposite party of politicians, professing the most ardent attaclhment to the constitution in church and state, assembled in various parts of the country, under the denomination of Orange Lodges, bound to each other by solemn and mysterious oaths. And the mutual antipathy of both daily increased. During this state of things, an important increase was given to the British cabinet, from whose consultations it was determined that some immediate measures should be taken to calm the perturbed spirits of Ireland; and it was finally resolved to send Earl Fitzwilliam as the harbinger of amity and peace. The arrival of that nobleman, was hailed with general joy, as that of a minister from heaven. Mr. Grattan and Mr. Ponsonby were called to his cou0- cils: both bad been previously summoned to Epgland, ip